Can Living Happier Mean Living Longer?

An end to our physical life is inevitable.  That pretty much is a fact. While most people will turn to science and technology to try to extend their lives, there is actually a much cheaper alternative.

It’s called happiness. Let’s talk about three different ways happiness can lead to a longer life.

1. You’re more content when you’re happy

Do you feel like you’re always chasing something in your life? Whether it be the latest gadgets, romantic interests, professional opportunities, etc., we all can’t seem to stop moving and working towards something. Chasing goals and dreams is important too, but when does it all stop? When is enough actually enough?

When you’re happy, you’ll realize that there are some things in life not worth going for. There are some prices that are too high to pay.  For instance, trying to get into a high-risk profession may be worth a lot of money, but it’s going to have adverse effects on your health. Or you’d go after you something that you think is going to make you happy, only for you to realize in the end that it’s slowly taking away your sanity. You could end up rich beyond your wildest dreams, but in exchange, you’ll be cutting your life short.

In my practice as an attorney, I have met many wealthy people. Some are downright miserable. I think about them when I am tempted to take on more work, or to spend longer hours at the office.

 

2. You’re more resilient when you’re happy

 

Life is filled with countless problems and challenges. If you’re not careful, these challenges can quickly overpower you. However, when you’re happy, you’re more likely to be resilient.

When you have a foundation of happiness that does not depend on your circumstances, the challenges of life are easier to bear.

Where others are going to let problems consume them, happy people are more likely to let them slide. Because of an inner core committed to happiness, happy people seem to respond to problems more positively than unhappy individuals.

 

3. You’re more likely to take good care of your body when you’re happy

 

When you’re happy, you want to take good care of your body. This means you’re not going to do anything that’s going to cause it some harm. You’re not going to abuse it by eating tons of junk food, getting drunk every single night, or stressing yourself out at work. Instead, you’ll make sure you only eat healthy food, you’ll exercise regularly, and you’re not going to sacrifice your body for a few extra dollars on your paycheck.

I completely understand the busy lifestyle. But we can all learn to carry a salad to work, talk a walk over lunch, or do an exercise routine or video in the office. I highly recommend Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home videos.

Remember, happiness doesn’t equate to wealth. You can be happy and not have a lot of material possessions. Likewise, you can be wealthy but be deeply unhappy. It’s up to you who you want to be.

If longevity matters to you, I suggest you prioritize happiness.

I intend to be old and joyful. It beats being old and cranky!

 

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